The Peterkin Papers, like most satires, may be enjoyed on two levels: a straight story of a family who has the uncanny ability to complicate everyday situations and a pointed social parody of contemporary times. On the first level, readers laugh at the Peterkins’ misadventures, delight in the illogical solutions to problems, and discover that they themselves, like the lady from Philadelphia, were able to find the simple answers that the Peterkins overlooked. Several themes for the reader can be found on this level: for example, that respect should be given to others within and outside the family, that foolish behavior can be forgiven and overlooked, and that such behavior is not confined to young people.

In each episode, the Peterkins demonstrate, through their words and actions, the respect and concern that they have for one another and for the people they meet. For example, when Mrs. Peterkin puts salt in her coffee, the whole family rushes to find someone to solve the problem so that mama can have her morning cup of coffee. The Peterkins listen and follow the advice of the chemist, who adds a multitude of chemicals to the coffee without the desired effect, pay him for his trouble, and politely send him on his way. The same is true for the woman who attempts to undo the results of the salt and other chemicals with herbs. Mama is not criticized for her mistake or for the trouble that it causes; instead, the family shows only concern for her plight.

In another story, Solomon John decides to write a book for the Peterkin library, and the family tries to help him collect the necessary supplies and waits expectantly for him to begin writing. They have provided Solomon John with their help, time, and efforts. When Solomon John at long last sits down to write, they do not laugh as he exclaims that he has nothing to say. Examples such as these are found in every chapter in the book. The young adult reader cannot fail to understand the importance of demonstrating respect for others.

In much the same way, young adults begin to understand that foolish behavior is not confined to any particular age group. All the Peterkins make mistakes or behave in foolish ways. The other family members forgive the foolishness and act in supportive ways toward one another. For example, when Mr. Peterkin decides to raise the ceiling instead of chopping the bottom off the Christmas tree, the family stands behind his decision. When Agamemnon decides to patent a master key, so that all locks can be opened with the same key, his family supports his efforts. When Solomon John decides that he may become a doctor if he does not have to see sick people, his family offers helpful advice about ways that he could prescribe treatments without having to be close to those who are ill or come at inconvenient times.

While the novel is enjoyable as a chronicle of the Peterkins’ life, more sophisticated readers will view it as a social satire of genteel life in Boston in the mid-nineteenth century. Attitudes toward education, foreign travel, and social obligations are all comically satirized. For example, in one story, the Peterkins decide to learn foreign languages. Elizabeth Eliza stops her French lesson after a few weeks because, as she says, she has learned the five or six useful phrases. Another story satirizes the social teas of the era. The Peterkins count their plates and cups and decide to invite that number of friends and neighbors to afternoon tea. They then decide to...